After the August 1st 1834 declaration of Emancipation, the former slaves were to be bound as ‘apprentices’ to their former estate for a period of four years. However, Lord Romney could see no sense in this, at all, and fully emancipated the slaves on his estate on St.Kitts. Historically therefore, Romney Manor Estate became the first estate in St.Kitts to emancipate their slaves.

There is evidence that the site currently occupied by Romney Manor was the location of Chief Tegeraman’s village. This was destroyed following the massacre of the Amerindians in 1626.

Originally the property was called The Red House. However, following the acquisition by the Earl of Romney he renamed it Romney Manor. It has retained this name to the present day.

Sugar processing at Wingfield Estate would have been discontinued in 1912. However, sugar cane continues to be grown at Wingfield/Romney to this day.

The present owner acquired the property in1974. Today it houses Caribelle Batik and is the home of a thriving industry and botanical gardens.

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